Behind The Mask: CHS holding masquerade ball for prom

Martha Mauritson/Current-Argus
Jasmine Lueras, left, and fellow Carlsbad High School senior Jazmin Spencer share a laugh as they try on masks intended for students to wear Saturday at the CHS Junior-Senior prom where the theme is "Masquerade."

CARLSBAD >> The main building at Carlsbad High School is undergoing its more or less annual transformation, when a swarm of hard-working students and volunteers turn the atrium into a new and beautiful place for the Junior-Senior Prom.

This year, the theme is "Masquerade," a theme illustrated by some pithy words for thought:

"We are who we pretend to be," said Shelby Soto, student body president and wrangler for the decorating group.

Pretending may be part of the fun Saturday night, enhanced by the masks that many prom-goers will wear.

Two seniors, Jasmine Lueras and Jazmin Spencer, got their first look Tuesday at some of the masks they can choose from — thanks to a friend of Lueras' mom who bought them in an El Paso shop. Trying out the masks caused much laughter from the girls.

As is customary at prom, the atrium and patio will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. so that parents can admire the decorations and take candid photos of their students in prom finery.

Also during this time, the prom-goers generally go out to eat at a local restaurant, Spencer said.

"We arrive (at CHS) around 7 p.m. so the parents can take their pictures," Lueras said.

At 8 p.m., it's everybody out of the building, students and parents alike.

The two seniors say they will have to line up and show ID to get back into their prom. But they explain that this is done in order to deter uninvited guests who might cause trouble.

The music for the evening will come from DJ Ruben Gonzales, Soto said. And the culinary arts class from CHS will provide snacks.

Advertisement

As for the masks, they will be optional, she said; and while most students will attend in formal dresses and tuxedos, some may choose not to.

A high point will be the selection of prom king and queen, chosen by a vote of the senior class.

The students vying for the king's crown include Beau Cisneros, Ryan Dudley, Jonathan Jimenez, Josh Miller and Michael Ortega.